Spicy Korean-Style Braised Tofu with Gochujang Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Firm tofu cubes braised in a spicy and savory gochujang-based sauce, perfect as a vibrant vegetarian main or side dish. This korean-inspired vegan (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs sesame oil, minced garlic cloves, grated ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz extra-firm tofu cubes (pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes) and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: Push tofu to one side and add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger to the pan. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 cup water in a small bowl until smooth. Pour sauce over tofu and gently toss to coat.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the tofu.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice or greens.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Style Braised Tofu with Gochujang Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spicy Korean-Style Braised Tofu with Gochujang Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sesame oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Braised Tofu with Gochujang Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spicy Korean-Style Braised Tofu with Gochujang Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Spicy Korean-Style Braised Tofu with Gochujang Glaze vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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